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It has almost been a month since Pro Kabaddi 2019 commenced and we have already witnessed several brilliant moments on the mat. Games have started becoming more closer and competitive, compared to the previous editions. The fact that no one single team has been dominant in the tournament so far shows how interesting this season has been until now.
In a long tournament like the PKL, teams bolster their squad with a number of stars but provide chances to youngsters to showcase their skills on the mat. Agility and fitness have become an integral part of the game and hence, we have seen many youngsters do well in the tournament.
Similarly, analysis and tactics have become equally influential in this game. A lot of work happens off the mat that helps teams prepare accordingly to their opposition. Hence, if teams can field a few newcomers, the job of analyzing their style of play by the other teams could become difficult. This can prove to be an advantage on the mat for the teams with a few newcomers in their squad.
On that note, here are the 3 debutants who have impressed thus far, in the ongoing PKL 7.
Note: Updated till Bengal Warriors v Gujarat Fortune Giants, Match 41, 14th August 2019.
#3 Sumit (UP Yoddha)
Sumit is an upcoming defender, who has made a decent debut with U.P. Yoddha this season. With his captain Nitesh Kumar unable to replicate his form from PKL 6, Sumit has slowly established himself as a reliable player for his team.
Having played 8 games so far, Sumit has picked up 28 points which also includes two High 5's at an impressive tackle strike rate of 52%. In fact, with a total of 26 tackle points, Sumit is at level with Manjeet Chhillar and Vishal Bharadwaj on the list of most tackle points at the time of writing this article.
It is no secret that UP Yoddha's raiders have struggled this season and with Sumit doing well for his team, the youngster's form will be key to see the Yoddha progress further in this season.
#2 Vinay (Haryana Steelers)
Having been signed up as part of the 'New Young Player' category in the auctions, Vinay has formed an integral part of Haryana Steelers' campaign so far. For a team that was dealt a huge blow with Prashant Kumar Rai's injury, Vinay has managed to fill in the big shoes in the initial part of this tournament.
Despite being utilized as a third-choice raider after Vikas Khandola and Naveen, Vinay has already picked up 29 points this season and although he does not have a Super-10 to his name until now, that is mainly because of the limited number of raids that he puts in every game.
While his numbers do not paint a pretty picture, the youngster has proved his worth in the Do or Die raids and has done well to chip in with a few points under pressure.
#1 Mohammad Nabibaksh (Bengal Warriors)
Going by the rate at which Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Nabibaksh has contributed on both fronts, it would not be a surprise if he finishes as the best all-rounder from PKL 7. The impact of the Iranian has been such that the Bengal Warriors suddenly look like a threatening side which could go all the way and win the title in this edition.
Bengal invested ₹77.75 lakhs to procure the services of Nabibakhsh in the auctions and the Iranian has proved his worth by picking up 44 points from seven games till now, with 35 raid points and 9 tackle points.
More importantly, Nabibaksh's good show on the raiding front has allowed Maninder Singh and K Prapanjan to play with more freedom on the mat which has, in turn, helped the team's cause. Nabibaksh has often chipped in with tackle points too which has made him a reliable all-rounder for Bengal Warriors, in only his debut PKL season.
